The Quad-City Times endorsed Mitt Romney this morning, saying he is the Republican candidate who would provide the most serious challenge to President Barack Obama next November.

“We’ve found an articulate, polished chief executive with a range of business and governing experience that far exceeds his rivals,” the paper’s editorial board wrote. “More than any other caucus contender, Romney acts as if his sights are set on the presidency, not just a nomination.”

The paper also declared that the former Massachusetts governor is “the most Branstad-ish,” meaning he is a competent, enthusiastic manager like Gov. Terry Branstad.

Romney’s earlier newspaper endorsements include the Des Moines Register, the Iowa City Press-Citizen and the Sioux City Journal.